KEWAUNEE – The first to die from COVID-19 in Kewaunee County was a Korean War veteran and businessman who was named "Person of the Year" in his community two years ago.

Citing federal and state laws, the Kewaunee County Public Health Department would not release the man's identity or more information, but Jerry Simonar's son, Dale, confirmed his 87-year-old father's death to the Star-News Tuesday morning. People who had been in close contact with Jerry Simonar, of Luxemburg, have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Simonar, who died Monday, was scheduled to take an Honor Flight to Korea in February, but it was canceled at a time the COVID-19 virus was spreading throughout that country.

In 2018, the local Chamber of Commerce named Simonar Person of the Year for his lifetime of developing businesses in Luxemburg and his passion for local business, which he instills in others. The "Mayor of South Luxemburg" frequently could be found working at Simonar Service and continued to devise new ideas to improve the community.

RELATED: Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce honors Jerry Simonar, Kathy Anderson, Cyndi Dart

As of Tuesday morning, five county residents have tested positive for COVID-19, out of 111 residents tested. The Public Health Department believes community spread of the virus has taken place. Additionally, 78 tests came back negative and 28 results are pending.

“This is a very scary virus. Not only is it tough to watch the number of positive COVID-19 cases increase, but to report news of a death is just devastating. Our condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” said Cindy Kinnard, director of the Public Health Department. “We cannot stress enough the importance of hand washing and social distancing to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19."

The health department reminds residents who feel they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have questions to stay home and contact their primary care provider. To reach the health department, call 920-388-7160 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or [email protected]

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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Coronavirus fears canceled Jerry Simonar's Honor Flight trip to Korea. This week, COVID-19 took his life.